I really hope that's not true, as the PS4 launch lineup would take a big hit from losing Driveclub, they'd have to scramble to get something else on PS+, and it's one of the games I was looking forward to playing.

Sony just posted information about the day 1 firmware patch for the PS4. It's good to see them being early with this kind of information, though I think a lot of people are going to be confused about having to download a patch to get what we've been promised from the beginning. These things have probably been given work up until the final moment due to the tight deadlines both Sony and Microsoft ended up giving themselves.

Anyway, here are the patch details:

Quote

We wanted to shed some light on system software update version 1.50 for PS4, which will launch simultaneously with the system’s official North American launch on November 15th, 2013. By updating to system software version 1.50, you’ll be able to experience a variety of new features in addition to the basic functions of PS4.

The system software update 1.50 is approximately 300 MB, and will include the following features:

Remote PlayUsers will be able to access PS4 titles displayed on their living room TVs and play them on a PS Vita system over Wi-Fi networks by using PS4 Link (Depending on network environment or titles, remote play performance may vary outside of the home). We anticipate that most PS4 titles will be playable on the PS Vita system through Remote Play. The latest PS Vita system software version, to be released soon, will be required to use PS4 Link.

Second ScreenUsers can use the PS4 Link application for the PS Vita system, and PlayStation App for iPhone, iPad, and Android-based smartphones and tablets, to use these devices as second screens in supported titles. PlayStation App has the ability to enable users to interact with games with their mobiles devices. For example on The Playroom, a title pre-installed in all PS4 systems that requires PlayStation Camera, users can draw pictures on their mobile device screens and flick them towards the TV. The images then appear as a 3D object within the game.

Record, take screenshots, and upload gameplay effortlesslyThe PS4 system provides dedicated, “always on” video encoding systems that enables seamless uploading of gameplay. Users can share their epic triumphs by simply hitting the Share button on DualShock 4, take screenshots or scan through the last 15 minutes of gameplay, tag it and return to the game—the video uploads as the user plays. At the PS4 system’s launch in North America, users will be able to share their images and videos with friends on Facebook and screenshots with followers on Twitter, though users will need to sign up for individual accounts to use Facebook and Twitter.

Broadcast and spectate gameplay The PS4 system also enhances social spectating by enabling users to broadcast their gameplay in real-time to game fans around the globe, using Ustream and Twitch live internet streaming services (users will need to sign up for individual accounts to use Ustream and Twitch). There are two ways for users to view live broadcasts. First, the Live from PlayStation application on PS4 aggregates streams from all PlayStation users. Second, users can spectate friends’ PS4 gameplay from PCs, and applications such as Ustream, Twitch, and browsers, which are installed on their mobile devices. These applications can be easily started up via PlayStation App, and users can also use these applications to post comments to gameplay broadcasts. Furthermore, users with PlayStation Camera can stream camera images and microphone sounds along with their live gameplay broadcast.

Play as you downloadThis feature enables users to play supported digital titles as they are being downloaded. The time it takes to begin playing will vary depending on game data size and network environments, and not all titles will support this feature When a game is purchased, users can start playing after PS4 downloads a portion of the data, while the rest of the game is downloaded in the background during actual gameplay. Games may be downloaded in stand-by mode.

Multi log-inA maximum of four users can log-in to a single PS4 system simultaneously. These players can use their own save data to play games, and also earn trophies on their own Sony Entertainment Network accounts even when playing a multiplayer game together on a single PS4 system.

Party (Voice chat)By using the Mono Headset bundled with the PS4 system, users will be able to chat with up to eight friends enjoying different applications or games. Furthermore, users can use Party to chat between PS4 and PS Vita systems.

Face recognition and voice commandsUsers with PlayStation Camera will be able to register their facial image onto their PS4 system, and login to their system using facial recognition instead of DualShock 4. Furthermore, users can use either the microphone of the Mono Head set connected to DualShock 4, or PlayStation Camera to navigate through the PS4 home screen (PlayStation Dynamic Menu) with voice commands to start up games and shutdown the system, among other features; please refer to PS4’s online manual for recognizable voice commands.

Background music playerUsers can enjoy gameplay while listening to music in the background with Music Unlimited, a cloud-based digital music service. Users can also voice chat with friends while listening to music. Learn more about Music Unlimited here.

Online MultiplayerPlayStation Plus members will be able to play PS4 titles online with other players via the network. PS Plus makes it easy for members to join available online multiplayer matches in a variety of ways, including the ability to easily join a game from a live stream broadcast or Party voice chats.

Blu-ray Disc and DVD playerUsers can enjoy not only gaming on their PS4 system, but also Blu-ray and DVD video contents. When using for the first time, users must connect to the internet to activate this feature.

Some features will not be available at launch, such as “suspend/resume mode” which is a feature that keeps the PS4 system in a low power state and promptly takes users back to their game. We will provide additional information about system software update version 1.50 and features available at the PS4 system’s North America launch, and features that will be available after launch, in the near future.

I think a day one patch is to be expected .. not sure i understand some of the teeth gnashing I'm seeing on the web

Yeah XB1 has one as well. I think the gnashing is people just want to turn it on and play, heck that's why I got the BluRay version of Killzone, as I don't want to wait for that 50gb to download after hooking the PS4 up to my TV.

Uhm... all of them have had stumbles at some point, Sony included which means "It's Sony" doesn't invalidate the concern of a day one update. (and that stretches across the board for EVERY game/console that requires this).

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"If it weren't for Philo T. Farnsworth, inventor of television, we'd still be eating frozen radio dinners." - Johnny Carson

Uhm... all of them have had stumbles at some point, Sony included which means "It's Sony" doesn't invalidate the concern of a day one update. (and that stretches across the board for EVERY game/console that requires this).

I'm sorry, didn't you read my post properly? I wasn't talking about stumbles. I was talking about experience.

I could really almost taste the potential with remote play back when the PSP was new and I could get to a few places on my PS3 using it.

I really hope it lives up to it's potential with my Vita this time around!

I would have considered it doomed to failure from day one if it wasn't mandatory on the PS4. That's its one, shining hope. The Vita has been having some good momentum lately. It'll be very interesting to see if this can be turned into a hurricane or if it'll turn out to just be a fart in the wind.

Uhm... all of them have had stumbles at some point, Sony included which means "It's Sony" doesn't invalidate the concern of a day one update. (and that stretches across the board for EVERY game/console that requires this).

I'm sorry, didn't you read my post properly? I wasn't talking about stumbles. I was talking about experience.

.... and you were dismissing concerns over day one patching. Your reasoning is not sound.

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"If it weren't for Philo T. Farnsworth, inventor of television, we'd still be eating frozen radio dinners." - Johnny Carson

Uhm... all of them have had stumbles at some point, Sony included which means "It's Sony" doesn't invalidate the concern of a day one update. (and that stretches across the board for EVERY game/console that requires this).

I'm sorry, didn't you read my post properly? I wasn't talking about stumbles. I was talking about experience.

.... and you were dismissing concerns over day one patching. Your reasoning is not sound.

No I wasn't. I was dismissing Nintendo's experience in running online solutions. Nothing more, nothing less. Anything else came out of your (amazingly wild) imagination.

I could really almost taste the potential with remote play back when the PSP was new and I could get to a few places on my PS3 using it.

I really hope it lives up to it's potential with my Vita this time around!

I would have considered it doomed to failure from day one if it wasn't mandatory on the PS4. That's its one, shining hope. The Vita has been having some good momentum lately. It'll be very interesting to see if this can be turned into a hurricane or if it'll turn out to just be a fart in the wind.

Yeah, the fact that it is mandatory for all PS4 titles (except for ones that use the camera) is huge. No excuses for devs anymore....it has to work and work well.

I could really almost taste the potential with remote play back when the PSP was new and I could get to a few places on my PS3 using it.

I really hope it lives up to it's potential with my Vita this time around!

I would have considered it doomed to failure from day one if it wasn't mandatory on the PS4. That's its one, shining hope. The Vita has been having some good momentum lately. It'll be very interesting to see if this can be turned into a hurricane or if it'll turn out to just be a fart in the wind.

Yeah, the fact that it is mandatory for all PS4 titles (except for ones that use the camera) is huge. No excuses for devs anymore....it has to work and work well.

... so they don't have a fractured base?

Reminds me of the Six-Axis requirement for the early days of PS3.

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"If it weren't for Philo T. Farnsworth, inventor of television, we'd still be eating frozen radio dinners." - Johnny Carson

Apparently there's a lot of PS3 games that work just fine for the DS4, except for the PS button and motion sensors not working. Last of Us works well, as does battlefield, but sadly GTA5 doesn't work at all.

Directly Access Various PSN Features and Information•You can access your profile screen.•You can access/compare their own and friends’ Trophy accomplishments.•Exchange messages between PS4 systems, PS3 systems, PS Vita systems, and mobile devices installed with PlayStation App.•Access and filter friend profiles.•Notify users about their friends’ shared activities on “What’s New”.•Notify PS4 users when they receive any new notifications or game invitations. Users can also display their lists of game items.

Browse the PlayStation Website and Access Info•You can access the PlayStation official website to browse through news, blogs and game information. The language and content depends on your country.

PS4 Second Screen Feature•The PlayStation App can be used with PS4 games that support second screen functions.•For example on The PlayRoom, a title pre-installed on all PS4s (requires PlayStation Camera), you can draw pictures on your mobile device screens and flick them towards the TV. The images then appear as a 3D object within the game.

Spectate Other PS4 Users’ Gameplay•When your friends upload or begin live streaming their gameplay on PS4 systems, the friends’ activities are displayed on “What’s New” of the PlayStation App screen. When you tap on this notification, you can boot pre-installed applications, such as browsers, to spectate the uploaded gameplay. Users can also post comments on gameplay screenshots, footage and live streams.

Purchase Game Content on PlayStation Store•You can purchase game content while away from home and download it directly onto their PS4, PS3, and PS Vita (PS+required for PS Vita) systems.

Use a Mobile Device as a Simple Remote to Control the PS4 System•Once installed, you can use your PlayStation App to control the PS4 as long as both devices have access to the same Wi-Fi access point. For example, you can switch your PS4 system to standby mode, startup your PS4 system from standby mode, and use your mobile phone as a keyboard for their PS4 system.

I could really almost taste the potential with remote play back when the PSP was new and I could get to a few places on my PS3 using it.

I really hope it lives up to it's potential with my Vita this time around!

I would have considered it doomed to failure from day one if it wasn't mandatory on the PS4. That's its one, shining hope. The Vita has been having some good momentum lately. It'll be very interesting to see if this can be turned into a hurricane or if it'll turn out to just be a fart in the wind.

Yeah, the fact that it is mandatory for all PS4 titles (except for ones that use the camera) is huge. No excuses for devs anymore....it has to work and work well.

... so they don't have a fractured base?

Reminds me of the Six-Axis requirement for the early days of PS3.

That was different in that every PS3 had the six-axis controller whereas the Vita is something that not everyone has (obviously), and the games don't require the player to use it (which also keeps it from fracturing the user base).

There were some instances of that for Kinect with the 360 (Skyrim's cool voice commands being a good example), but a lot of the Kinect stuff was less subtle.

"For the analog sticks, we did test having the analog sticks on top, since the Xbox has the left side on top [above the D-pad]," Sony's Toshimasa Aoki said. "Especially from the shooter teams--we got feedback that that's what they wanted. They knew that consumers liked the 360 for shooters."

dangit Sony, release a version of that in limited release, see how it sells, and it it takes off offer it as an alternative.

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Because I can,also because I don't care what you want.XBL: OriginalCeeKayWii U: CeeKay

"For the analog sticks, we did test having the analog sticks on top, since the Xbox has the left side on top [above the D-pad]," Sony's Toshimasa Aoki said. "Especially from the shooter teams--we got feedback that that's what they wanted. They knew that consumers liked the 360 for shooters."

dangit Sony, release a version of that in limited release, see how it sells, and it it takes off offer it as an alternative.

"For the analog sticks, we did test having the analog sticks on top, since the Xbox has the left side on top [above the D-pad]," Sony's Toshimasa Aoki said. "Especially from the shooter teams--we got feedback that that's what they wanted. They knew that consumers liked the 360 for shooters."

dangit Sony, release a version of that in limited release, see how it sells, and it it takes off offer it as an alternative.

UGH. "People said they liked the offset sticks better but you know, tradition, so, WHATEVA."

That was different in that every PS3 had the six-axis controller whereas the Vita is something that not everyone has (obviously), and the games don't require the player to use it (which also keeps it from fracturing the user base).

There were some instances of that for Kinect with the 360 (Skyrim's cool voice commands being a good example), but a lot of the Kinect stuff was less subtle.

You're supporting my argument, bullwinkle.

Since every console will have a DS4, it makes sense to require DS4 support. Hell, the SHARE button should be a requirement, since it is part of the base platform and a key benefit.

Motion controls? That doesn't fit every circumstance, and while YES there were 360 games that had Kinect support, for that point to be valid, you'd have to show how EVERY game since Kinect's launch REQUIRED some function of Kinect to get 360 licensing. That did not happen, and even with the XB1, the requirement to use Kinect is not there - it is simply available to be used.

Back at the PS3 launch, IIRC all games were required to have some sort of six axis control support... I don't recall which game had basically taken a shot at it, and I can't find a reference to it. There are over 110 games that currently support SixAxis motion control though - how many games can you think of where it was implemented well (I'm going to go with Flower on this - that was fantastic).

If the hardware comes with the console, one *could* require it. If it does not, however, then placing that requirement to try and sell your other products is pretty shady. Before you go all Kinect2.0 on me - remember developers are being encouraged to incorporate smartglass and Kinect - but there is no requirement to do so. Also, since smartglass is tablet/phone agnostic, to use it requires no defined product, and certainly not an MS one to leverage. AFAIK the new SmartGlass software is going to be free, just as the existing 360 version is.

The Vita? Not free. Not all game styles may fit (consider playing MP street-fighter type game on the same console). It's costing devs time and QA resources to shoehorn a product that has not proven itself on the market.

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"If it weren't for Philo T. Farnsworth, inventor of television, we'd still be eating frozen radio dinners." - Johnny Carson

"For the analog sticks, we did test having the analog sticks on top, since the Xbox has the left side on top [above the D-pad]," Sony's Toshimasa Aoki said. "Especially from the shooter teams--we got feedback that that's what they wanted. They knew that consumers liked the 360 for shooters."

dangit Sony, release a version of that in limited release, see how it sells, and it it takes off offer it as an alternative.

UGH. "People said they liked the offset sticks better but you know, tradition, so, WHATEVA."

yeah, that was the part that got me. At least they didn't go with the Wii U scheme.

#tradition

Logged

Because I can,also because I don't care what you want.XBL: OriginalCeeKayWii U: CeeKay

The Vita? Not free. Not all game styles may fit (consider playing MP street-fighter type game on the same console). It's costing devs time and QA resources to shoehorn a product that has not proven itself on the market.

My impression was that the support was built into the system, so it hopefully doesn't require that much, other than to specify controls, etc.

The sharing stuff should be great for families. I saw a lot of discussions about this kind of thing just after the first presentations of these two consoles, but now that it's official that the PS4 supports families playing freely, and enjoying PS+ benefits, on one system with separate user accounts and even having two PS4s playing the same game from your account at the same time, nobody's talking about it.

The sharing stuff should be great for families. I saw a lot of discussions about this kind of thing just after the first presentations of these two consoles, but now that it's official that the PS4 supports families playing freely, and enjoying PS+ benefits, on one system with separate user accounts and even having two PS4s playing the same game from your account at the same time, nobody's talking about it.

Go figure.

See, if only MS had thought of doing awesome stuff like that they wouldn't be in the trouble they're in!

The sharing stuff should be great for families. I saw a lot of discussions about this kind of thing just after the first presentations of these two consoles, but now that it's official that the PS4 supports families playing freely, and enjoying PS+ benefits, on one system with separate user accounts and even having two PS4s playing the same game from your account at the same time, nobody's talking about it.

Go figure.

See, if only MS had thought of doing awesome stuff like that they wouldn't be in the trouble they're in!

Are they doing the same thing? I honestly don't know. I'm aware of the "family sharing" they canceled, but not of any new initiatives to replace it. At least not anywhere near the console's launch.